From my perception - which I will admit is only that, and I am happy to be wrong - the bailout only prolongs the collapse.

I know from first hand experience that many agents speak verbal offers to save time and 10 counters, maybe not supoosed to but they do, and if you ask any buyer or seller if they would rather do this than sign numerous counters.

Thanks to BiggerPockets.com we have made several great contacts, and built relationships with numerous companies that deal with REO sales.

"Ridiculous" profits is probably a matter of perception.

I always have numerous ads running on craigslist and backpage for buyers.

You need to know if that's the case in this market, or if these houses are selling and holding their prices.You imply there are numerous houses for sale in the same neighborhood.

The rise of the market as it progresses creates a strange perception in some folks.

Find your niche and grow it.The possibilities are more numerous and more rewarding than when Microsft and Apple were created.Some things won't change, family, honesty, integrity, the need for food shleler and clothing....everything else is a wild card.What could we do with a billion dollars each and the same willingness to share that we are displaying here, now?

If you have a lot to invest, there are also numerous home builders that were foreclosed on, or close to it.

I know numerous people that do this (fairly) successfully.